Analyzing America: The Long-Term Unemployed

Regardless of what the most recent federal unemployment rate shows, many of the long-term unemployed aren't factored into the equation. For those who have been out-of-work for 1 year, 2 years or more, far too many have gotten to the point in which they've given up looking for jobs that don't exist and a few have given up hope altogether.

After a person has run through all their savings and exhausted all tiers of unemployment benefits, life can begin to look really grim. It is a recipe for the development of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by free-floating anxiety that seems to be a constant feature of daily existence. GAD can range from mild nervousness to a continuous feeling of dread. There may be somatic symptoms, muscle tension, muscle aches, or shaky feelings. GAD is frequently related to another disorder...Given the stresses of modern life, it is normal to experience occasional anxiety. However, people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The high level or chronic state of anxiety associated with GAD can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible.

Who can blame the long-term unemployed for feeling this way? Congress is preparing a budget that will eviscerate many of the services they depend on! State legislatures are doing the same thing. To top it all off, Corporate America is sitting on trillions upon trillions of dollars and job creation doesn't seem to be a pressing need for them.

When a person has run out of money, can't find a job and the few services they depend on will be cut to the bone, one could easily make the argument that it would be unhealthy NOT to develop a severe case of anxiety!!

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.